Halloween Parades in Iowa 2012

Halloween Parades in Iowa get a lot of attention given the fact that though set in Nebraska, Children of the Corn was filmed in the state. The list of Iowa slogans makes for another interesting possible Halloween tie in – Life Changing, Fields of Opportunities are the current ones, while the older “You make me smile” and “Is this heaven?” could be used during Halloween events in the state. At any time except Halloween, Iowa’s nickname of the “American Heartland” has a normal meaning, but during this holiday, the heart takes on a different one and monsters come out in search for it. Vampires and other blood-lusting characters are a Halloween staple and the intent of the more scary costumes is heart stopping.

Iowa Cemeteries, Bridges Offer Halloween Scares

For those looking to be spooked out around Halloween time, a trip to Holy Cross Cemetery is a local recommendation. The cemetery is said to be haunted and Anamosa locals claim that the lone tree sitting behind the group of trees in the cemetery was used for hangings and a Native American burial ground; so if you are looking for a scare try a visit to this ghost-ridden tree. Dress up in a scary Halloween costume just to fit in and maybe scare the spooks away!

The Pleasant Ridge cemetery in Palo, Iowa, is supposedly haunted by a phantom dog and has a spooky step — on the stairs leading up to the cemetery gate — that only appears at night. During the daytime 12 steps are visible, but at night there are 13 steps.

Tara Bridge reputedly has the ghosts of young children murdered by their mother haunting it and a “werewolf-like” creature has been seen at the bridge. While in Boone many years ago during a fierce storm, Kate Shelley, 15, crawled to warn an oncoming train that there was a bridge out. The new bridge named in her honor is supposedly home to Kate’s ghost and a place where “phantom trains have been seen and heard.” If you are looking for ghost sightings or stories from Iowa – the Ghosts of America site has a lot of them

Iowa Halloween Parades by City

If you know of any others, please leave information about it in our comments section. We will verify and add to our list.

Akron Halloween Parade
Oct 31, 2012 5:30 pm Downtown Reed Street

This Halloween parade is orgainzed by the town of Akron and includes a costume contest and floats. Join the town of Akron community and get involved in their Halloween parade.

Asbury Halloween Parade
Oct 26, 2012 7 pm Lord of Life Church

No more details were available for this event – if you know of more about the Iowa Asbury Halloween parade please contact us through the link below. The Asbury Halloween Parade willl start at the Lord of Life Church at the corner of Springreen Drive and Hales Mill road and end at the Asbury City Park on Asbury road near Casey’s.

Bellevue Halloween Parade and Costume Contest
Oct 28, 2012

The Rotary Club of Bellevue, Iowa organizes this event. More information about the parade was not available at this time, so if you know more please contact us through the link below.

Bettendorf Halloween Parade by Quad City Times

Bettendorf Halloween Parade
Oct 28, 2012 1 pm

The Chamber Ambassadors will judge of the parade and prizes will be awarded. The organizers ask that spectators and participants do not throw candy during the parade, but to hand it to one another, and no advertisements or other pamphlets be handed out.

The parade route will begin at the intersection of 23rd Street and Middle Road, then cross Middle Road onto Spruce Hills Drive. Following Spruce Hills Drive to the intersection of Spruce Hills Dr. and 18th Street. Taking a left and travel down 18th Street to the intersection of Middle Road and 18th Street. Taking another left, go east on Middle Road until the entrance of the parking lot to the Life Fitness / Splash Landing.

Clear Lake Halloween Parade
Oct 31, 2012

Halloween costumed youngsters – preschool through third grade – gather for photos then parade downtown in their costumes. Goodie bags are distributed to participants. This is a great safe way to supervise your children’s Halloween activities.

Davenport Halloween Parade
Oct 31, 2012 7 pm

This Halloween parade is sponsored by the City of Davenport and promotes everyone to dress up in their own selection of Halloween costumes, decorate their floats and personal vehicles, but to register early as space is limited. The community event is fun for all ages and can make for great family memories.

Iowa City Halloween Parade
Oct 26, 2012 6:15 pm Weatherdance Fountain

The Halloween parade in Iowa City is organized by the Parks and Recreation Department and is open to children of all ages. Children and parents should meet, in costume, at the Weatherdance Fountain in downtown Iowa City. The parade route heads east on College Street to the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center. Once at the Recreation Center, children may participate in Halloween themed carnival games, food crafts, roller skating cookie decorating, face painting, a Haunted Hallway and other Halloween festivities. All children should be accompanied by an adult.

Iowa City’s Trick or Treat Night
Oct 31, 2012 dusk to 8 pm

Event organizers, SAFE KIDS Johnson County and the City of Iowa City, want parents and caregivers to insure this is a safe and happy Halloween for all its citizens. They ask all participants observe the safety rules of Halloween and keep in mind that it is best for children to be accompanied by a responsible adult when Trick or Treating.

Libertyville Halloween Parade
Oct 27, 2012 1 pm

Featuring the award winning FMS Marching Band, the Libertyville Halloween Parade has costume contest prizes for every age group – even adults. So have some family fun and come see the costumes and floats.

Kids dressed up in their costumes parade down Huron Street led by the High School marching band. After the parade, participants get a free hotdog, orange drink, and treat bag. Sponsored by the Chamber and the Missouri Valley Fire Department, this events is popular with the community, so come join your neighbors.

Rock Rapids Halloween Parade
Oct 31, 2012 4 pm Downtown

This family oriented Halloween parade gets the local children out in costume for an enjoyable community event. Local merchants host a trick or treat after the parade and there are prizes for those kids who have great costumes.